British media has managed to obtain some juicy details about next year's Audi RS3 Sportback.

British media has managed to obtain some juicy details about next year's Audi RS3 Sportback.

Our colleagues from Auto Express had the possibility to take a ride in the new RS3 which will retain the five-cylinder 2.5-liter TFSI engine. While its predecessor packs 335 bhp (250 kW) from the same engine, the new version will be further tweaked to unleash around 360 bhp (268 kW). Riding on the MQB platform will allow the hardcore hatchback lose 55 kg (121 lbs) which means we should expect a curb weight of 1,520 kg (3,351 lbs).

Compared to the latest S3, the RS3 derivative will be lowered by 25mm and is going to feature wider tracks. Customers will have the possibility of getting optional wider front tires while a newly developed six-speed S tronic gearbox will be offered as standard to work with the quattro all-wheel drive system. The old model needs 4.6 seconds for the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run so expect the all-new RS3 do it in the low 4-second, with AE saying the car is already 20s quicker around the Nürburgring than its predecessor.

There's no word about a launch but chances are the Audi RS3 Sportback will be unveiled in March 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show.